Graduates, Trainees & Apprentices

Steven Chenery

I joined Ellmer in 2007 as a trainee quantity surveyor on day release to Westminster University over a five year period. I finished two years ago with a 1st! I stuck with it and the final year was tough, but Ellmer supported me not only financially, but with my dissertation. I could use the knowledge gained at Ellmer with real thoughts, ideas and opinions.

I was sure I did not want to go to University when I left college, but it was definitely worthwhile, and with industry knowledge studying with people similar to you made it less daunting and certainly helps build confidence.

I was looking for a career and I was interested in my dad’s work as a surveyor from a side line. The opportunity came up to join Ellmer and my goal in time is to become a Senior Estimator. As an estimator I do pricing and measurement so I enjoy both sides of the role, and the hands on nature of handling a project cradle to grave.

Why Ellmer? Ellmers is special especially the people. The fact that I have stayed for 8 years and am not looking to work anywhere else is testament in itself. Even the hierarchy have a warm and friendly can do personality which makes you want to work harder for them.

If I was boss for the day, I would follow the same ethos where the directors and senior management are out there face to face with employees, which is a great trait as we know who we are working for and are not daunted because of their accessibility to put forward new ideas.